The Western civilization may have influenced us, Filipinos, with the Christmas celebrations, but one thing is for sure, this celebration is uniquely Filipino in so many ways. 

Just recently, one of the oldest and historical hotel in the Philippines, Th Manila Hotel, welcomed the holiday season with a lively celebration infused with Filipino traditions during its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of The Manila Hotel Chairman Basilio Yap, Vice Chairman Dr. Emilio Yap III, President Atty. Joey Lina, and Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta; along with esteemed guests including the City of Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna Pangan, City of Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, Department of Tourism NCR Regional Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin, US Ambassador H.E. MaryKay Carlson, Nigeria Ambassador H.E. Folakemi Akinleye, and Miss Philippines Air 2023 Kerri Reilly. The Office of the President Chorale added to the festive spirit be serenading the audience with traditional Christmas carols.

 

“As we aspire to be a part of every family’s Christmas celebration, may our lit Christmas tree serve as a reflection of the hotel’s commitment to embodying the spirit of Filipino traditions this holiday season,” said Marvin Kim Tan, The Manila Hotel Director of Sales and Marketing.

 

Furthermore, in the spirit of giving and sharing, The Manila Hotel has chosen the House of Refuge as the beneficiary of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The House of Refuge is a halfway house which gives shelter and provides the basic needs of street children.

 

With the Christmas Tree now aglow in the Grand Lobby, The Manila Hotel is set to continue spreading holiday cheer and preserving the spirit of Filipino traditions throughout the festive season.

The SM Mall of Asia Music Hall hosted the 21st-anniversary party of CHILD Haus, a special place created by 'Mader' Ricky Reyes to give hope to kids with cancer. Over the years, the Sy family has been a big supporter of this place. In the beginning, it was Henry 'Tatang' Sy, Sr., and in recent years, Hans Sy, the Chairman of the Executive Committee at SM Prime Holdings Inc., has carried on the tradition started by his father.

CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy (center) celebrate the institution's 21st anniversary with the CHILD Haus beneficiaries.

 
At the forefront of the event were Mr. Sy and 'Mader' Ricky, and they invited several people and businesses who have supported CHILD Haus over the years. Many kids who have found a home at CHILD Haus were also there. The media covered the event, acknowledging the significant impact places like CHILD Haus have on children and their parents, often being their much-needed support.

CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes

 
SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy

During the event, they showcased three stories from CHILD Haus, featuring Aya, Laura, and Jessa in video clips. These videos were all about spreading hope and showing the life-saving efforts of the organization. Even the most experienced photographers in the press couldn't hold back tears, and it was truly amazing to see their emotional reactions. This shows just how deeply these stories touched everyone in the audience.

CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, and three inspiring CHILD Haus children, Aya, Laura, and Jessa.

After ‘Mader’ Ricky's heartwarming welcome, Mr. Sy himself took the stage to present plaques of appreciation to the many friends of CHILD Haus whose generous donations have made the organization's life-saving work possible.

CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy award plaques of appreciation to the generous friends of CHILD Haus whose contributions have enabled the organization's life-saving mission.

Those suffering from cancer and ‘adopted’ are provided food and shelter. There are presently two CHILD Haus locations - one in Manila, near the Philippine General Hospital, and one in Quezon City. Until the children are declared cancer-free and/or have completed their treatments and medical procedures, one child and one parent are allowed to live at CHILD Haus. If it’s an infant, both parents can stay.

A longtime supporter and regular visitor to CHILD Haus, Karylle, led the children in a rousing song composed by Karylle’s husband, Yael Yuzon. Then ‘Mader’ Ricky’s daughter sang a rendition of Florante’s ‘Handog’ that had been reworded to fit the sentiments of the children at CHILD Haus. These were two songs that the children had learnt and practiced as a “thank you” to the many guests who have helped make the ‘haus’ a reality.

Singer Karylle leads the CHILD Haus children in an uplifting song.

 

In the end, both ‘Mader’ Ricky and Mr. Sy acknowledged the significance of this event, which commemorates 21 years of compassion, fortitude, and the spirit of giving and sharing.

To know more about inspiring stories and events at SM, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.

Gilren Bajado, lady security guard of RJC Security Solutions, was recognized as the Outstanding Security Guard of the Year at the 43rd Founding Anniversary of the Civil Security Group at Camp Crame. The recognition ceremony was presided over by PNP Chief PGen Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. SM Supermalls Customer Relations Services Senior Assistant Vice President Mr. Almus J. Alabe and Regional CRS Manager Harold James E. Herrera were also in attendance to witness the awarding ceremony.

LG Bajado's outstanding accomplishment stems from her remarkable act of honesty and integrity on August 3, 2023, at SM Cinema, SM City Marikina. During her clearing duties, she discovered a lost black pouch containing 64,800 pesos, along with ATM cards and assorted ID cards belonging to Mr. Starsky D. Paunan, a 44-year-old staff member of Palarong Pambansa.

L-R: SM City Marikina Customer Relations Services Manager Mr. Edward S. Masangcay, Regional CRS Manager Mr. Harold E. Herrera, Lady Guard Gilren Bajado of RJC Security, PNP Chief Bejamin Acorda Jr., SM Supermalls Senior Asst VP for CRS Mr. Almus J. Alabe, RJC HR Manager Mr. Wilmark Reyes

 

Without hesitation, she reported this to the CRS office, ensuring the safe return of the lost valuables to their rightful owner. Her integrity, honesty, and dedication have earned her this prestigious recognition and admiration from her peers and superiors.

SM Supermalls and RJC Security Solutions take immense pride in her achievement, as it reflects the company's core values of professionalism, honesty, and integrity. Her commitment to her duties, her sense of responsibility, and her exemplary character have brought honor not only to herself but also to RJC Security Solutions as a leading provider of comprehensive security services.

The recognition of LG Gilren Bajado as the Outstanding Security Guard of the Year strengthens SM Supermalls’ commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence. The company consistently strives to provide security solutions while ensuring that its employees embody the highest ethical standards.

SM Supermalls extends its warmest congratulations to LG Gilren Bajado for her outstanding achievement and for being a shining example of integrity and professionalism. Her actions serve as an inspiration to all and remind us of the impact that a single individual can have on building a safer and more trustworthy society.

The artist’s rendition of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall, which will rise near Gate 10 (Dapitan St.)

The seven-story building stands as a tribute from the Sy family, the SM Group, and UST to honor the lifelong commitment of SM's founder to education. It also reflects the University's ongoing dedication, alongside the UST Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc., Anargyroi: FMS Foundation, Inc. (AFI), and the 152-year-old UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (FMS), to advance in the field of medicine.

Heads of the UST and HSFI, led by Very Rev. Fr. Richard Ang,O.P. FMS Dean Dr. Ma. Lourdes Maglinao, and Debbie Sy, at the topping off ceremony last October 7, 2023

 

The Henry Sy, Sr. Hall will serve as a hub for simulation in medical education, interactive student centered-learning, collaborative multidisciplinary research, and interprofessional education. It will house the Sts. Cosmas and Damian Simulation and Research Center.

“The Henry Sy, Sr. Hall will be a state-of-the-art structure designed to meet the challenges and expectations of a digitally-inclined medical education landscape. It will house technologically advanced facilities and equipment, which will complement the existing teaching, learning, and research practices of the University. It is yet another milestone, securing the UST FMS a relevant spot, a significant spot in Catholic medical education in the country, the region, and the world.” FMS Dean Dr. Ma. Lourdes Maglinao said about the Henry Sy. Sr. Hall.

“Medical students can access a broad range of digital tools and resources to enhance their learning and education as we were compelled to shift to e-learning and online course platforms,” UST Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., said.

(from left) SM Foundation (SMFI) SAVP for Education Eleanor Lansang, SM Investments VP for Securities Judith Balderrama, Henry Sy Foundation (HSF) treasurer Virginia Yap, SMFI Executive Director and HSF Trustee Debbie Sy, HSF Executive Director Dr. Lydia Echauz, SMFI and HSF Trustee Engr. Ramon Gil Macapagal are welcomed by Dr. Joreen Rocamora, Director of the UST Office of Public Affairs.

“Nowadays, keeping up with the advances in medical education is paramount to ensure that our students are competent, agile, and well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the ever-changing educational landscape of modern medicine, and this building, this edifice, will give us state-of-the-art equipment, which will give our medical students a cutting-edge knowledge on how to use robotics as well as other equipment,” Fr. Ang added.

Designed by C.A. Ventura & Partners, the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall is on track to be completed by June 2024.